Ex-San Jose Earthquakes defender to help coach at Santa Clara

SANTA CLARA -- Former Santa Clara and Earthquakes star defender Ryan Cochrane has been named a Broncos' assistant, the school announced Thursday.

Cochrane, who played in San Jose in 2008-09, helped led Santa Clara reach the 2003 College Cup. He played professionally for nine years, including winning two Major League Soccer titles with the Houston Dynamo.

"There is no doubt Ryan is going to help this program grow and become better," Santa Clara coach Cameron Rast said in a statement. "First and foremost, his background as a player is exceptional. He just finished up his professional career ... so it's a natural fit."

Cochrane served as an assistant coach at Trinity University in 2012 and at Wheaton College in 2011.